Search Results for 'Historian'

If there is one thing that ‘Let’s Do It Galway’ - those inspirational people who guided the Volvo Ocean Race into our beautiful Bay- has taught us, and that is that the sea is a resource for possibility and opportunity. For too long Galway, and other coastal towns, have regarded the sea as a source of separation, and a reminder of bad times. In Galway, despite having a wide river flowing through it, and an expansive bay on its shoreline, buildings in general have turned their backs to it.

Throughout history, nearly every religion of consequence has displayed a tension between austerity and exuberance. In Christianity this tension shows itself in the contrast between, say, the unadorned, white-washed chapel and the imposing magnificence of a great medieval cathedral.

Spring sunshine greeted the official opening of this year’s Cúirt International Festival of Literature which was held at the Rowing Club in Woodquay on Tuesday evening.

It was reading Owen Barfield’s History in English Words many years ago that first made me realise words are like the artefacts – the shards of shattered pottery, the unearthed house foundations, or the elaborate tombs filled with grave goods - the archaeologist uses to reconstruct the past. Or, as Barfield put it:

While Labour will hold its 65th national convention in NUI Galway this weekend, the United Left Alliance Galway will hold a counter-conference to take a critical look at Labour and discuss alternatives for the Irish left.

An important event occurred 360 years ago this week, which changed the fortunes of Galway town forever.

There are still hopes that a new home might be found in Mullingar for some items from the Columb Barracks military museum, in spite of reports that the collection is to be moved to Athlone.

The Athlone Canal Restoration Group issues an open invitation to anyone with an interest in the history of Athlone, but in particular in the history of our canal, to join them for a fascinating historical amble along the canal with Dr Harman Murtagh on December Tuesday 27 at 1.30pm.

Kilkennyman, historian and former primary school teacher Jim Maher is proud to be launching his third book this month.

In June 1802, the County Infirmary finally opened. Some 35 years before, it was ordered in council at a meeting of the corporation, “That a committee consisting of the principal gentlemen of the town, be, and are accordingly appointed to enquire and find out a proper place within the county of the town of Galway for erecting a public infirmary or hospital for the reception of the poor, sick and disabled persons”. The Governors of the Erasmus Smith School granted two acres of ground gratis for ever, but it still took 35 years to build.